We are seeking views on a specific proposal to extend
the ban on exclusivity clauses beyond zero hours
contracts, to contracts where the workers’ guaranteed
weekly income is less than the Lower Earnings Limit,
currently £120 a week. The intention is to allow
low-income workers who are not able to secure the
number of hours they would like from their current
employer to seek additional work elsewhere.
Following the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,
companies are not always in a position to offer enough
hours for every worker. If more workers are able to
take on additional work, on short hours contracts, this
could also increase businesses’ confidence to create
jobs with contracts which suit them and their current
circumstances.
The responses to the consultation will help inform
decisions on detailed policy questions such as the
appropriate level to set the earnings threshold and the
appropriate level of hourly wage cap for which an
exemption to the ban may be warranted.
These reforms will affect businesses and organisations
who use exclusivity clauses in their contracts of
employment, and low-income workers who are subject to
exclusivity clauses and are looking to take on
additional work to boost their income.
See the BEIS
consultation privacy notice.
Please do not send responses by post to the
department at the moment as we may not be able to
access them.
